Adjustable guard for power tool

Abstract

A power tool includes an output shaft defining a rotational axis and a housing from which the output shaft protrudes. The power tool further includes a flange at least partially surrounding the output shaft, a circumferential groove defined between the housing and the flange, and a radially inward-extending slot in the flange. The power tool also includes a rotatable guard having a first radially inward-extending projection and a plurality of apertures positioned radially about the rotational axis. The first radially inward-extending projection is receivable through the radially inward-extending slot in the flange and positioned within the groove. Furthermore, the power tool includes a lever having a detent member, and a biasing member for biasing the lever toward the rotatable guard. The detent member is receivable in one of the plurality of apertures to rotationally lock the rotatable guard relative to the housing.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A power tool comprising:
 an output shaft defining a rotational axis; 
 a housing from which the output shaft protrudes; 
 a flange at least partially surrounding the output shaft; 
 a circumferential groove defined between the housing and the flange; 
 a radially inward-extending slot in the flange; 
 a rotatable guard including a first radially inward-extending projection and a plurality of apertures positioned radially about the rotational axis, the first radially inward-extending projection is receivable through the radially inward-extending slot in the flange and positioned within the groove; 
 a lever including a detent member; and 
 a biasing member for biasing the lever toward the rotatable guard; 
 wherein the detent member is receivable in one of the plurality of apertures to rotationally lock the rotatable guard relative to the housing. 
 
     
     
       2. The power tool of  claim 1 , wherein the radially inward-extending slot is a first radially inward-extending slot, and wherein the power tool further includes a second radially inward-extending slot in the flange. 
     
     
       3. The power tool of  claim 2 , further including a second radially inward-extending projection on the rotatable guard. 
     
     
       4. The power tool of  claim 3 , wherein the second radially inward-extending projection is receivable through the second radially inward-extending slot in the flange and positioned within the groove. 
     
     
       5. The power tool of  claim 4 , wherein the first radially inward-extending projection is larger than the second radially inward-extending projection, and wherein the first radially inward-extending slot is larger than the second radially inward-extending slot. 
     
     
       6. The power tool of  claim 1 , wherein the rotatable guard is removable from the housing. 
     
     
       7. The power tool of  claim 6 , wherein removing the rotatable guard from the housing includes aligning the first radially inward-extending projection with the radially inward-extending slot. 
     
     
       8. The power tool of  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is coupled to a seat formed on the housing. 
     
     
       9. The power tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a latch plate upon which the lever and the detent member are integrally formed. 
     
     
       10. The power tool of  claim 9 , wherein the latch plate circumferentially surrounds the output shaft. 
     
     
       11. The power tool of  claim 9 , wherein the latch plate further includes a radially inward-extending tab that is received within a corresponding axial channel formed in the housing. 
     
     
       12. The power tool of  claim 9 , wherein the latch plate further includes a mounting tab that is coupled to a boss formed on the housing. 
     
     
       13. The power tool of  claim 12 , wherein the mounting tab includes an aperture through which the boss is received, and wherein the power tool further includes a fastener anchored to the boss for securing the mounting tab in position around the boss. 
     
     
       14. The power tool of  claim 13 , wherein a head of the fastener abuts an end of the boss to create a gap between the fastener head and the end of the boss, and wherein the mounting tab is positioned within the gap for movement with respect to the boss. 
     
     
       15. The power tool of  claim 14 , wherein the gap permits the latch plate to teeter during actuation of the lever to remove the detent member from one of the plurality of apertures. 
     
     
       16. The power tool of  claim 9 , wherein the latch plate further includes a stop, and wherein the rotatable guard further includes a final stop projection. 
     
     
       17. The power tool of  claim 16 , wherein the stop and the final stop projection abut to prevent more than a predetermined amount of rotation of the guard with respect to the housing. 
     
     
       18. The power tool of  claim 17 , wherein the housing further includes a bumper portion operable to absorb an impact between the stop and the final stop projection. 
     
     
       19. The power tool of  claim 18 , wherein the bumper portion is circumferentially adjacent a mounting tab of the latch plate. 
     
     
       20. The power tool of  claim 1 , wherein the power tool is configured as a right-angle grinder.